The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1887-12-15


ltirey around the outside and inside of
the dome ribs, at or about the height
marked ~ on sheet No. 80 of the original
drawings.
Sixth-That a similar band of 6-inch
beams be carried entirely around the out
side of the dome ribs, at or about the
height marked (2) on sheet No. 33 of the
original drawings.
Seventh-Chat a similar band of 4-lnch
4 beams be carried entirely around
the outside and inside of the
dome ribs at or about the height marked (3)
on sheet No. 33 of the original drawings.
The be ces here shall be of 15x3-inch
bar iron.
Eighth-That similar band of 4-ineh
l beams be carried entirely around the
inside of the dome ribs, at or about the
height marked ~ on sheet No. 33 of the
original drawings.
Nlnth-We further recommend that the
brick arches, concrete backing and en-
caustic tiling of the balcony floor be
omitted aud replaced by half-inch cast
iron hoor plates. as per annexed diagram,
marked (4). The four bands marked e,
on sheet No 33 of she original drawings,
shat BE- retained.
These accommodations will amply
maintain, if hot Increase, the rightly
which would have been given to the dome
structure by the Original brickwork, while
n the weight on the abutments of the arch
will be reduced to not exceeding thirteen
tons per square foot of sectional area.
we consider that tho construction of the
antern of the dome, both in the design
and in the construction, which accurately
follows the design, is defective.
The attention of the commissioners was
called to this in letter from the superin
tendent IF construction, dated November
81, 1887. We recommend, therefore,
Flrst-rhat the 8-lnch beam, uprights
be fishsd with six inch channel bars on
both faces, accurately fitted, six feet long,
and with sixteen &-inch screw bolts IN
two rows.
Second-These same uprlghts shall each
have at their base two strut braces of AKA
inch angle iron, with the ends bent for six
inches to the proper angle, and secured to
the l beam and to cast-irOn rim by two
"a inoh screw bolts-all as per annexed
drawing, marked (2).
Third-rhere shall be diagonal braces
of 3x3 inch angle iron, back 70 back,
4 and riveted at the crossings, in four of
buO puucio VI bHO aOONO uhO
second balcony. Their ends shall be So
cured as in the previous recommendation;
all rs shown on the accom- panyiHg draw
ing, marked (2).
Fourth There shall be eight sets of
diagonal sway braces of one inch round
iron, with sleeve nuts, at right angles
across the lantern, as indicated in draw
ing No. 3. The ends shall have welded
nd cNr hnnkS Of uual straO,Tth
fastened to the faces of the eight-inch
4 1 beam uprights, with four rivets each.
SECOND GENERAL REPORT ON THE BUILDING.
We consider that, under the instruc-
tions relating to the second part of our
duty, we are required to report whether
the work, es far as it has progressed, is in
compliance with the plans and specitica
tions, and whether any changes therein
are advisable In order to do this, it is
necessary to know exactly what the plans
and specifications now are, as many
changes have been made in them. The
supplemental contracts and memoranda
of agreement, by which these changes
were effected, have all been examined By
us with care. In passing upon these
changes, it is important to remember that
it WAS i'm possible, under the terms of the
law, that they could be made if involving
any additional cost to the state. No
improvements could be made except
by the omission of some
part of the work of equal
money value, but of less structural value
or decorative importance. With this re
striction in view, and after careful ex-
animation of the changes, we are of tue
opinion that they have been carefully and
judiciously made, that they were to the
interest of the state, and that their aggre-
gate result is an improvement to the
capitol in its architecture and construc-
ton.
We have observed the following defects
in the building, and make recommends
tions for their correction:
Fir THE two galleries around light
shafts over the library are weak, although
built according TO the plans and speciti-
cations. They will defect and vibrate ST.
as to break the plasteriug beneath. We
recommend that the beams here, serving
as trimmers and trimmer heads,
be doubled and bolted together.
To do this it will be necessary
to remove and replace the galvonized iron
cornice aud some of the brick floor arches.
Second-The plastering under the
galleries in the house and senate cham
bers is already slightly cracked, although
additional support beyond that provided
in the original plans and specifications
has been given them. Owing to the vibra-
ton that will necessarily occur in these
galleries from their long spans and live
loads, no ceiling will ever prove salts
factory in this position, except of some
metallic substance.
Third-The plans and specifications
provide for a ceiling under the main
stairs of cast iron, while other stairs of
nearly equal prominence and Importance
are left uuceiled. We think change
would be advisable and practicable by
which all these stairs would be panel
ceiled with galvanized iron, instead of one
with cast iron. Besides the crudeness
which will result from leaving the stairs
other than the main flight unfinished be-
meath, better general effect can be OBJ
tanned in galvanized than in cast iron.
Fourth-In several cases, steam supply
pipes pass through door castings or in too
close proximity to other wood work
Wherever this is the case they should be
removed and placed In a more secure
position.
F;eth Tho 0oIvo niza al iron work of the